THE leader of the Conservatives on the city council is to take up a seat on the authority's governing cabinet.

Tory group leader Chris Steward yesterday announced that he would accept the incoming cabinet leader Dafydd Williams' offer of a place in the cabinet, made in a bid to bring more consensus and cooperation to city politics.

Cllr Steward said residents want to see York back on track after debacles in the council in recent months, and want the political parties working together for the good of the city.

"We Conservatives are confident in our direction and in hoping that the political games and personal politics of his predecessor Cllr Alexander can be put beyond us. I accept Cllr. Williams's offer to have a voice at cabinet meetings, where we will have an opportunity to put forward our party's vision for York."

In one of his first actions after being named the Labour group's new leader Cllr Williams offered cabinet seats to both Cllr Steward and Liberal Democrat Keith Aspden, as leaders of the two biggest opposition groups on the council.

Cllr Aspden has not yet commented on whether he will accept the offer.

Cllr Williams said the pair would have full voting rights but no specific portfolios, but added he hoped the position would give them a stronger voice, and stop partisan bickering standing in the way of getting things done.

Cllr Steward added: "Make no mistake- this is only a seat at the table and until May this is still a Labour administration making decisions for the city, which will stand or fall next year on the mistakes they have made running York. Cllr Williams's offer is however an excellent window for input and we would be doing residents a disservice if we didn't accept the challenge.

"I am also mindful that the chances of split votes remains tiny and I as group leader cannot speak with the same expertise given my spokespeople will not join me around the table, it is therefore probable I abstain on many issues but I will certainly put our case."